Customer Reviews

The Principal's New Clothes

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As the title implies, this book is a modernized version of Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale, The Emperor's New Clothes. The general plot remains the same: the principal (the Emperor, in the original) has a new outfit made by tricksters who convince him that the material is special, and that it can only be seen by intelligent people. The principal sends various liaisons to check on the progress of his suit, and, knowing the "amazing properties" of the non-existent fabric, they are ashamed that they can't see it, and so they lie, telling the principal that it's a wonderful suit. When he finally sees it (and pays for it), he thoroughly believes that other people can see it and his ego won't allow him to admit that he doesn't. He wears it (to a school assembly) and the charade goes on until a kindergartener reveals the truth.

Despite the well-known origins, this book takes on flair of its own because of the modern-day setting (a school, which works because of course this is a children's book) and the wonderful illustrations. I especially liked the artist's interpretation of the various word images: when the text says that Mr. Bundy is the sharpest dresser in town, the art shows a smooth-looking guy in showy prints. In other words, it's a kid's idea of well dressed, and it looks great on the page, though it would probably be terrifying in real life.

Though the ending is a little different than that of the original tale, most kids will like this ending better, and it could be used as a great jumping off point for discussions about honesty, conceit, and sharing.

The Principal's New Clothes by Stephanie Calmenson is a children's book that is extremely hilarious. Mr. Bundy, and elementary principal, is the best dresser in town. All of a sudden theese strangers show up and tell Mr. Bundy, "We can make the best suit for you. You will love it!" But this is not an oridany suit, this suit can only be seen by people who are good at their job. When Mr. Bundy finally gets to view his new suit, he can't see anything at all. This worries Mr. Bundy. What will happen next in this story?

This book made me smile while reading it. The way that the author really paints a picture in your mind is amazing. All of the descriptive words are wonderful as well as the language is just right for kids reading it. Although this book is fast paced it's very easy to keep up with it. The Principal's New Clothes is a easy and fun book to read. I reccomend it to anyone who wants a smile on their face. I know for a fact that children would definitely love it. I suggest you go check it out today!

Our second and third grade class just finished reading this book! Our favorite part was when The principal thought he was stupid. The ending was hilarious! This is a book you could enjoy reading over and over!

The Principal's New Clothes is a story I would not recommend. I purchased it with the idea of comparing and contrasting with the classic The Emperor's New Clothes. I was unable to do that because the story was so different. I would not buy this again because it did not meet my ideas and plans. However, the story on its own is cute.

Though this book was published many years ago, I still find it on library shelves. There are so many wonderful children's books available; this particular version of the Emperor's New Clothes is not one of them. Wordy, pedantic with heavy handed illustrations, this book will have limited appeal.

A cute adaptation to The Emperor's New Clothes, this modern-day story has all the makings of the original version, but with a few changes. Children will enjoy this story as they envision a person who is both smart and well respected being fooled into believing a lie. A fabulous book for classroom reading, this picture book will help children see the value in telling and discerning the truth.

I may actually like this version better than the original. Primarily, because children are far more capable of relating to a principle, than to an Emporor. Also, I see all too often, people in positions of authority being made a mockery of in children's literature and on television and in movies. That, however, is not the case with this book. - It is truly an entertaining book with an underlying message that is worth telling to children.

DeeDee Fox, author and illustrator, The Ruby Red Slippers

What would you do if your principal was going to be tricked, but you didn't say anything? This happens many times in The Principal's New Clothes by: Stephanie Calmenson. The Story is about a principal who is a sharp dresser, but to fake designers come along and trick him into something embarrassing.
It is a great book for a young because it will make them laugh. The story takes place in a present time at a regular school. The story is silly, yet it has a valuable meaning; you should never lie it may hurt someone.
The author writes in a style that kids can connect t. It is a good topic for kids. What kids wouldn't want to see the principal in their underwear?

I am Daisy, a third grade student in California, and I am posting this under my teacher's account and supervision.

This book is very funny and it rocks. They wear fancy clothes and they make fancy clothes. The kids were taking out their extra clothes and giving it to the principal. It was so funny.

This is a great book for teachers to use in the classroom. There are many possibilities to link this to learning. It follows along the line as The Emporer's New Clothes but geared to a modern day school setting.

I like this book because there are lots of funny parts in it. The principal gets new clothes that are invisible. He doesn't know they're invisible! At the end, the kids all throw him some of their clothes, but not all of them, like hats and jackets.